THE CITIZEN (Gloucester, UK) 30 June 10 Frustrated newt expert kills protected amphibians in planning protest

A frustrated newt expert killed three of his own amphibians and sent them to wildlife officials after protesting against development work.

Brian Butcher, 75, of Canonbury Street, Berkeley, fished the great crested newts from his pond and hit them over the head with a hammer, Stroud magistrates heard.

He put the protected species' bodies in a plastic bag and posted them to Natural England because he was angry work to tear down hedgerows and fill in holes where newts were likely to be was not stopped.

The bench was told the package was a "payback" for the public body's perceived lack of action against the work being carried out on Butcher's neighbouring land.

Prosecuting, Sharon Jomaa, said on April 23 this year Butcher killed the newts with a hammer blow to the head.

Miss Jomaa said an investigation had been carried out by Natural England following the package, and evidence was subsequently handed to police.

Letters, including correspondence with Natural England, were seized from Butcher's property.

Miss Jomaa said "plenty" of great crested newts remained in his pond.

Defending himself, Butcher claimed his actions were payback.

He said: "I didn't believe I had been given a sufficient answer and I accuse Natural England of incompetence."

Butcher has been pursuing action for the last four-and-a-half years over the development, without being able to stop it.

The great crested newt is protected under European law, as well as the Wildlife and Countryside Act. It is illegal to capture or kill it or disturb its habitat.

Butcher pleaded guilty to four separate counts, including capturing, injuring and killing a wild animal of a European Protected Species, possessing or being in control of a live or dead animal that has such protection and transporting a live or dead animal that has such protection.

Sentencing, Mr McNally said he understood Butcher had suffered from a "long period of distress" and that would be taken in mitigation.

Butcher received a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay a contribution towards costs of £40.
Frustrated newt expert kills protected amphibians in planning protest

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